Albanyà Dark Sky Park

ALBANYÀ DARK SKY PARK

Application to the International Dark Sky Association

24/03/2017 Index 1-AUTHORSHIP & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... 3 2- ABOUT THE MUNICIPALITY OF ALBANYÀ ...... 3 2.1 LOCATION ...... 3 2.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE MUNICIPALITY ...... 4 2.3 SURROUNDINGS: EMPORDÀ AND COSTA BRAVA ...... 7 3-ALBANYÀ DARK SKY PARK ...... 8 3.1 BASSEGODA PARK ...... 9 3.1.1 Camp de l’Illa (Albanyà) ...... 9 3.1.2 The Bassegoda Park Observatory ...... 12 3.2 EL CASALOT (LLIURONA) ...... 13 3.3 EL COLL DE LA CREU (LLIURONA) ...... 13 3.4 EL PLA DE LA BATERIA (BASSEGODA) ...... 14 3.5 COLL DE PRINCIPI (BASSEGODA) ...... 15 3.6 PLA DE LA TEULARIA (PINCARÒ) ...... 16 3.7 PINCARO’S HERMITAGE ...... 16 3.8 HOSTAL DE LA MUGA ...... 17 3.9 MAS SOBIRÀ ...... 17 3.10 OWNERSHIP ...... 17 3.11 ACCESSING ALBANYÀ INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY PARK ...... 18 3.12 LIGHTING POLICY AT ALBANYÀ DARK SKY PARK ...... 18 4- LIGHTING ...... 21 4.1- TOWN OF ALBANYÀ LIGHTING ...... 21 4.2- BASSEGODA PARK LIGHTING ...... 22 4.2.1 About the intelligent light management system ...... 24 4.2.2 Main lighting ...... 27 4.2.3 Other lighting ...... 30 4.2.4 Summary Table ...... 36 4.2.5 Management of lighting and dark sky ...... 37 5- LIGHT POLUTION ASSESSMENT ...... 38 5.1 QUANTITATIVE READINGS ...... 38 5.1.1 Camp de l’Illa (Bassegoda Park) ...... 40 5.1.2 El Casalot (Lliurona) ...... 40 5.1.3 EL Coll de la Creu (Lliurona) ...... 41 5.1.4 EL Pla de la Bateria (Bassegoda) ...... 41 5.1.5 Coll de Principi (Bassegoda) ...... 41 5.1.6 Pla de la Teularia (Pincarò) ...... 41

5.2 QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT ...... 42 5.2.1 Camp de l’Illa (Bassegoda Park) ...... 42 5.2.2 El Casalot (Lliurona) ...... 44 5.2.3 El Coll de la Creu (Lliurona) ...... 45 5.2.4 El Pla de la Bateria (Bassegoda) ...... 46 5.2.5 Coll de Principi (Bassegoda) ...... 47 5.2.6 Pla de la Teularia (Pincarò) ...... 48 5.2.7 DSO qualitative assessment ...... 49 6- SLEEPING AT ALBANYÀ DARK SKY PARK ...... 53 6.1- BUNGALOWS...... 53 6.2- PLOTS ...... 54 6.3-TENTS AREA ...... 54 7- ASTRONOMY EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE AT BASSEGODA PARK ...... 55 8- FUTURE WORKING PLANS ...... 56 8.1- LIGHT POLLUTION MONITORING ...... 56 8.2- EXPANSIONS OF SCIENCE OUTREACH PROGRAMS ...... 56 9- LETTERS OF ENDORSEMENT ...... 57 9.1- BASSEGODA PARK ...... 57 9.2- CEL FOSC ...... 58 9.3- STARS4ALL ...... 59 9.3- LIGHT POLLUTION LAB AT SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA UNIVERSITY ...... 60 9.4- LETTER FROM THE ADMINISTRATION: DIPUTACIÓ DE GIRONA ...... 61 9.5- LETTER OF SUPPORT FROM THE MAYOR OF ALBANYÀ ...... 63 9.6- ASTROGIRONA ...... 64 9.7- ASTROBANYOLES ...... 65 9.8- ASTROGARROTXA ...... 66 9.9- SPANISH FEDERATION OF ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATIONS ...... 67 9.11- ASTRUMLLORET ...... 68 9.11- NOMINATION LETTER ...... 70 10- PRESS RELEASES ...... 71 11- STARLIGHT CERTIFICATION ...... 73

1-AUTHORSHIP & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This application has been elaborated by Pere Guerra (Astronomy manager at Bassegoda Park), Juan Carlos Casado (StarryEarth) and Pere Horts (Cel Fosc and the Astronomical Society of Figueres) upon request by the authorities of the town of Albanyà (Mr. Joan Fàbregas, mayor of Albanyà and Mr. Joan Casellas deputy mayor).

We hereby extend our gratitude to the institutions STARS4ALL, the Spanish Federation of Astronomical Associations, the Light Pollution Lab at Santiago de Compostela University, Astogirona, Astrobanyoles, Astrumlloret and Astrogarrotxa for their endorsements and support through the process of submitting the candidacy. We would also like to acknowledge Jaume Màs and Jose Jimenez for kindly sharing some of their photos for this application.

2- ABOUT THE MUNICIPALITY OF ALBANYÀ

2.1 LOCATION Albanyà is a large municipality located in the nord-western edge of the empordanese pyrenes in Girona (Catalonia), boundary with the Garrotxa and Vallespir (southern France) counties. It limits with the empordanese municipalities of Sant Llorenç de la Muga, Cabanelles and Maçanet de Cabrenys, the vallespirenque municipalities of Manera, Serrallonga and Costoja and the garrotxins municipalities of Sales de Llierca, Montagut and Oix.

Albanyà municipality unique location is next to the natural park Parc d'Espais d'Interès Natural de l'Alta Garrotxa and only at 25 km from Figueres, the city of the famous painter Salvador Dalí.

2.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE MUNICIPALITY

Figure 1: A view of the town of Albanyà

The current municipality of Albanyà has a surface of 94’39km2 and is the biggest of the Alt Empordà county and encloses a great part of the source of La Muga river. The municipality encompasses the town of Albanyà (located at 239 meters of altitude above the sea level), the Carbonils aggregate, the old Horts parroque, the Fau sanctuary an the old rural parroques that integrated the municipality of Bassegoda (Bassegoda, Lliurona, Sous, Ribelles, Pincaró, Corsavell, Sant Joan de Bossols and the sanctuary of Mare de Déu del Mont).

Figure 2: Albanyà main square and church

Therefore, aside from the town, the municipality is formed by an aggregate of disseminated neighbors, several hermitages and farm houses (the majority of which are abandoned or inhabited today).

The municipality of Albanyà also has ruins of old castles like the castle of Bac Grillera, the castle of Arget (VIII century), the castle of Jaume I of Bassegoda (XII century) and the Casal del Serrat (VIII century). The municipality also has roads as old as the Neolithic era, and some Neolithic caves.

Its unique location, next to the river Muga, allows visitors to be in permanent contact with the nature and to practice many different activities such as stargazing, adventure sports, fishing, hunting, hiking, horse riding, four-wheel drive, etc. This tremendous landscape full of peace, that represents one of the most virgin areas of the Empordà is well connected with the rest of the province.

Figure 3: A view of the town of Albanyà

The population of Albanyà has always been scarce, with a peak of 532 inhabitants in 1860. The old municipality of Bassegoda (now part of the municipality of Albanyà) peaked at 657 in 1860. Nowadays, the municipality of Albanyà has 150 to 160 inhabitants. This data reflects the depopulation that the municipality suffers, heightened specially after the second half of the 20th century after the disappearance of forest, agricultural and cattle activities.

Figure 4: Astronomy activities being performed downtown Albanyà

2.3 SURROUNDINGS: EMPORDÀ AND COSTA BRAVA

The proposed Dark Sky Park of Albanyà is located at Garrotxa and the Alt Empordà county, famous for being the home of renowned painter Salvador Dalí. The park is just over half an hour drive from Museo Dalí.

L’Empordà is a place full of millennial history, being home to the first Greek and Roman settlements of the Iberian Peninsula and its highly priced for its Mediterranean cuisine.

Importantly, renowned Costa Brava beaches are within an hour drive of Albanyà during summer. Many amateur astronomers that visit us benefit from the good weather of our country by choosing to spend the day at the beach while enjoying dark skies at night.

3-ALBANYÀ DARK SKY PARK The proposed area for the Albanyà Dark sky park is entirely located within the municipality of Albanyà and encompasses Bassegoda Park, (which is the gateway in which most public astronomy sessions will be held), El Casalot (Lliurona), El Coll de la Creu (Lliurona), El Pla de la Bateria (Bassegoda) and el Pla de la Teularia (Pincaró).

Source: https://www.scribblemaps.com/maps/view/Albanyà_Dark_Sky_Park/mSk4yklfV4

Number Name GPS Coordinates Altitude 1 El Camp de l'illa 42°18'24.57"N 247m (Bassegoda Park, 2°42'38.59"E 810ft Albanyà)

2 El Casalot (Lliurona) 42°17'47.75"N 804m 2°41'10.76"E 2628ft 3 Coll de la Creu 42°17'18.61"N 752m (Lliurona) 2°41'33.38"E 2467ft

4 Pla de la Bateria 42°18'57.65"N 1191m (Bassegoda) 2°38'01.97"E 3907ft

5 Coll de Principi 42°19'35.98"N 1055m (Bassegoda) 2°37'26.37"E 3461ft

6 Pla de la Teularia 42°19'32.91"N 622m (Pincaró) 2°40'45.15"E 2041ft

7 Pincaro’s Hermitage 42º20’04.88”N 420m

2º40’35.12”E 1378ft 8 Hostal de la Muga 42º 21’ 00.27”N 721m 2365ft 9 Mas Sobirà 42º19’56.71N 727m 2º36’20.65” E 2404ft 3.1 BASSEGODA PARK Easily accessible by any car and only 20 minutes away from the highway, Bassegoda Park campsite is the official gateway to the Albanyà Dark Sky Park and where the majority of public outreach astronomy events will be held.

3.1.1 Camp de l’Illa (Albanyà)

El Camp de l’Illa is a publicly free accessible field owned by Bassegoda Park located very close to the campsite. Its location and ease of accessibility makes the field ideal for hosting astronomy events.

Located at 247m (810ft) of altitude it is the recommended location for deep sky stargazing with kids as the night temperatures are mild compared with higher altitudes and the valley that surrounds El Camp de l’Illa shields most of the observers from wind. Camp de l’Illa is also closest from the local towns should an emergency occur.

Bassegoda Park management team have been carefully cultivating astrotourisism events in this field. Year by year the campsite gets many recurrent customers interested in Astronomy and the attendance and professionalism of astronomy events has been on the rise and improving on every event. The latest public outreach event of October 2016 was attended by up to 400 people. This has compelled the Bassegoda Park Management team to step up investment in astronomy to build a state-of the art observatory.

Figure 5: Photo of a science outreach event held in Camp del Illa in August 2016.

In the beginning of public outreach sessions organized at Camp de l’Illa we show live measurements of light pollution to the audience using a light pollution meter. We also use a green laser pointer to show to our visitors the light emitted by nearby cities once their pupils become dark adapted once the moon has set.

This helps us raise awareness about the need to contain light pollution and about the importance of the night sky for public health and to protect the environment.

We also help our visitors locate the most prominent constellations and stars in the sky. Ursa Major and Polaris and depending on the year, other constellations like Hercules, Orion or Cassiopeia or the summer triangle asterism.

We then move to other topics such as the Moon, whichever planets are available, double stars and finally deep space objects. The topics discussed vary widely according to the time of the year and the type of audience. We generally use dobsonian telescopes for that purpose as kids find them easier to reach.

Figure 6: A group of people stargazing the evening sky at Camp de l’illa, photo by Jose Jimenez.

Figure 7: A group photo of the latest event held at El Camp de l’Illa on October 28th 2016.

El camp de l’Illa will host the future Bassegoda Park observatory, scheduled to be inaugurated on July 1st 2017.

3.1.2 The Bassegoda Park Observatory

The Bassegoda Park observatory will be completely automatized and will have state of the art astronomy equipment. It will host the biggest telescope in the province of Girona. And will be suited for both scientific research and astronomy public outreach sessions for the non-initiated and the amateurs.

The main instrument will be a 16” Meade ACF F8 Optical Tube Assembly (OTA) mounted on a 10Micron GM3000 HPS mount. The 16” OTA will be interferometry tested to ensure optimal performance of the OTA for scientific work.

The secondary instrument will be a ED80mm Triplet apochromatic OTA. This multi- purpose instrument will serve as guide scope, wide field imaging and viewing telescope and solar telescope when equipped with an energy deflection system and a quark H- alpha Daystar Quark Chromosphere (0.3A-0.5A) for safe observations of the Sun.

The telescope camera will be a Moravian G4-9000 with KAF-9000 chip mounted with a 7 position 50mm square filter wheel. The secondary camera will be the Atik Infinity video camera, ideally suited for video astronomy public outreach sessions with a projector.

The main instrument will be mounted inside a 4-meter dome for public visual observing sessions. The observatory will also have an Atik Infinity camera and a projector for public observing sessions with real-time video astronomy.

3.2 EL CASALOT (LLIURONA) Located in Lliurona, at 804m (2628ft) deep within the proposed Albanyà Dark Sky Park. El Casalot is easily accessible by almost any car as the road is in good condition and most of it has pavement.

The ground at El Casalot is quite flat and the field is very adequate for both deep sky and planetary observing.

Located deep within the proposed Albanyà Dark Sky Park, El Casalot is the recommended place for the serious adult astronomy amateur carrying heavy equipment in a normal car in a windless weather.

The field is frequented by wild animals such as dears, it is important to stress that wild animals can be dangerous if disturbed, especially during the mating season.

3.3 EL COLL DE LA CREU (LLIURONA) Located at 752m (2467ft), El Coll de La Creu is easily accessible by almost any car. The field is still adequate to host a small number of persons that want a quiet place to spend the night stargazing.

3.4 EL PLA DE LA BATERIA (BASSEGODA) High at 1191m (3907ft) rises El Pla de La Bateria, located next to the summit of Bassegoda peak, the highest mountain around. This field is only accessible by off road cars but offers impressive views of the pyrenes. This location is recommended for the astro photographer and the planetary observer.

Pla de la batería can be a really cold place during winter, as seen by this frozen leaf taken next to the summit at midnight.

3.5 COLL DE PRINCIPI (BASSEGODA) Located 1055m (3461ft) high, Coll de Principi is one of the darkest places of the proposed Albanyà Dark Sky Park. Coll de Principi is only accessible by small off road cars and is the most remote place of the proposed Dark Sky Park.

3.6 PLA DE LA TEULARIA (PINCARÒ)

Located at 622m (2041ft) this field is a very dark place in which to observe and it is only accessible by small off road cars.

3.7 PINCARO’S HERMITAGE

Located at 420m, (1378ft) The area around this old hermitage is a good place to observe the dark skies. It is only accessible by small off road cars.

3.8 HOSTAL DE LA MUGA Located high at 721m (2365ft) and just within a few meters away from the French border, the field at Hostal de la Muga is adequate to observe. It is only accessible by small off road cars.

3.9 MAS SOBIRÀ

Located high at 733m (2404ft) this abandoned farm house has a field that is adequate to observe. It’s only accessible by small off road cars.

3.10 OWNERSHIP El Camp del l’Illa at Bassegoda Park is a privately owned property of public free access. Written authorization of Bassegoda Park is attached in this application.

All other lands delimited by the proposed Albanyà International Dark Sky Park are part of the publicly accessible Parc d’Espai d’Interès Natural, a natural park. Many of those lands are public and some are privately owned, no restriction of public access can be made by land owners for the lands within the Parc d’Espai d’Interès Natural as per Albanyà municipality regulations.

3.11 ACCESSING ALBANYÀ INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY PARK One key strength of amateur astronomy at proposed Albanyà Dark Sky Park is how easy it is to reach the park. It is located just within 20 minutes drive of the AP-7 highway, the GI-511 road is a well maintained road that can be driven by cars, trucks and caravans. From the moment you leave the highway there are signs indicating the direction of Bassegoda Park.

The observation field at Bassegoda Park is located just were the paved road ends and the rural road begins, making it possible for enthusiast astronomers to transport their large aperture telescopes on trailers and to easily access the observation field by car.

3.12 LIGHTING POLICY AT ALBANYÀ DARK SKY PARK

The Catalan law of light pollution (Law 6/2001) and its newest Decree 190/2015 (one of the most advanced in the EU) divides Catalonia in different zones, Zone E1 (dark blue, maximum protection), Zone E2 (light blue, high protection), Zone E3 (Moderate protection), Zone E4 (Low protection). Compliance with these regulations is mandatory.

References: http://mediambient.gencat.cat/es/05_ambits_dactuacio/atmosfera/contaminacio_luminica/m apa-de-proteccio-contra-contaminacio-luminica/ https://www.celfosc.org/biblio/legal/llei/dogc.htm https://www.enginyersbcn.cat/media/upload//arxius/noticies/Decret%20190%202015%20enll umenat%20proteccio%20medi%20nocturn.pdf

The vast majority of the area covered by the proposed Albanyà Dark Sky park lies in Zone E1 (Maximum protection), and the only land in Zone E2 (High protection) within the park is owned by Bassegoda Park. The surrounding populations are also either in Zone E1 or in Zone E2 as seen in the map.

This guarantees that whatever light being setup in the park must comply with the following requirements:

1- Lighting types:

Lights must have less than 2% (5% in case of Zone 2) radiance below 440nm and will have a wavelength comprised between 280 and 780nm. In case of LED lighting, less than 1% (15% in case of Zone 2) should be below 500nm and the main wavelength should be above 585nm.

2- Maximum percentage of bright flow towards superior hemisphere setup per light:

The maximum bright flows towards superior hemisphere setup (FHSinst) [percentage of light emitted above the horizon] per light, as a function of schedules and protection zones are as follows:

Protection Zone FHS inst (%) evening schedule night schedule Zone E1 1 (full cut off) 1 (full cut off) Zone E2 5 1 (full cut off)

Note: in Zone E1 all lights must be fully shielded and cut off to comply with the law.

3- Light trespass

Light trespass can be defined as the lighting that intrudes or as lighting intensity emitted by a light.

a) Maximum levels of light trespass

Intrusion lighting (lux) Protection Zone Evening Night schedule schedule

E1 2 1

E2 5 2

In compliance Article 9 of the Decree 190/2015 lighting schedules are as follows:

a) Night Schedule is defined as the time between 22h UTC until the sun rises for zones E1 and E2. b) Evening Schedule is defined as the time between the sun sets and the beginning of the night Schedule.

b) Maximum luminous intensity:

Protection Zone Maximum luminous intensity (cd) E1 2.500 E2 7.500

4- Maximum luminance levels:

Protection Zone Maximum luminous intensity (cd/m2) E1 50 E2 400

Note: According to Article 14 of Regulation 190/2015 all lighting must be reduced in intensity during the night schedules for public lighting setups above 1KW.

4- LIGHTING

4.1- TOWN OF ALBANYÀ LIGHTING

The town of Albanyà is undergoing a process to optimize lighting to contain light pollution. As demonstrated by the latest lightpolutionmap.info readings, the authorities of Albanyà have successfully minimized light pollution already by halving the existing lighting inventory and by replacing some of the lights with a more efficient LED lighting system (A+ BC3000K). In the near future other steps are planed such as replacing the 30 public lights that are closest to the proposed dark sky park with colder (2200K LED lights). All lights have dark sky friendly fixtures with adequate shielding following IDA recommendations.

4.2- BASSEGODA PARK LIGHTING

Figure 8 : Bassegoda Park aerial picture with all lights turned on (only 100 hours/year aprox.).

Figure 9: Bassegoda Park aerial picture with 50-60% of the lights on (from spring to late fall).

4.2.1 About the intelligent light management system

In 2010, Bassegoda Park spent 100.000€ to implement a custom solution to safe energy and minimize light pollution, complying and going beyond the current requirements of Decree 190/2015.

This solution uses advanced remotely controlled system to optimize lighting. As a result of this implementation, all street lights are turned on and off based on a certain criteria.

A central server dims or turns off lighting based on real time occupation, season of the year and hour of the day. For instance, the system will reduce the light count of the main streets after 11pm when the campsite is open and will reduce the power of the high pressure sodium vapor lights from 75W to 32,5W after midnight to dim lighting.

Moreover, all electricity in the bungalows and caravan areas will be cut off by the light management system when there is no one booking those plots.

Figure 10: The intelligent lighting software separates Bassegoda Park in 5 lighting areas as seen above.

Figure 11: An example pic of how lighting can be controlled at the individual level in zone 1.

Figure 12: An example pic of how lighting can be controlled at the individual level in camp de l’illa zone.

Figure 13: An example pic on how lights are turned on/off depending on the season of the year covering from high season (summer) to the winter months when the campsite is closed.

Figure 14: How the scheduling to dim or turn off lighting is organized, according to the zones and lighting type.

4.2.2 Main lighting

The main lighting is comprised of 38 high pressure sodium vapor lights. They are by a wide margin, the primary source of light pollution generated in the campsite as can be seen in figures 8 and 9. These lights are orange, fully shielded and oriented towards the floor at a 180º angle. The power of the lights is adjusted through the night by the intelligent light management system to make sure that no more lights are turned on than what’s strictly necessary and that no light is brighter than what’s adequate.

The main lighting is complemented by small partially shielded LED bollards (2200K) to illuminate the walkways that are in use in zones 1 through 5. There are 94 of these bollards located though the campsite. Due to its dim nature, color and partial shielding, almost no visible light can be seen from above. Moreover, these lights are also being constantly adjusted by the intelligent light management system and many of them are below trees.

Between the restaurant building and the games room there is an open square with 4 fully shielded ‘Period’ style fixtures with the bulb shielded in the opaque top like the ones shown (top left). There are also 4 shielded LED light fixtures.

In the roof of the covered terraces, in the 2 people rooms, there are 11 under canopy lighting fixtures.

In our covered terraces roof of the deluxe rooms there are 2 LED lights installed like the ones shown above.

4.2.3 Other lighting

There are 4 white LED wall mount fixtures like the ones shown below (left image) and a main LED light like the one seen in the right image. They are completely covered by the roof of the reception.

In the main terrace of the restaurant there are 14 unshielded LED lights like the ones shown in the picture installed.

Behind the restaurant building we have 4 fluorescents like the ones in the next photo all of them in the roof of the building:

In the sports field there are 2 unshielded wallpack like the ones shown in the next picture both of them partially covered with a roof:

In the barbecue areas there are 3 floodlights, they are turned on only when required.

In the main water deposit there is one unshielded wallpack light.

In one toilet building we have installed 1 wallpack light two LED fluorescents, all of them covered with a roof:

In the covered terraces of the 47 bungalows there are lights like the one shown in the picture:

As can be seen from the picture, the roof of the bungalow mitigates the impact of this kind of lighting.

Outside the maintenance warehouse there are two different kinds of wallpack lights:

Two lights of this type:

And three lights of this type:

Both previously mentioned lights are partially covered with roof. In the same building there are two fluorescent LED covered with a roof:

4.2.4 Summary Table Distribution Fitting & Wattage Qty Shielded/C Intelligent Qty compliant Notes Bulb type fitted overed system management Street High 75W 38 38 YES 38 sodium 32.5W vapor Walkways Bollards, 7W 94 94 YES 94 2200K LED Restaurant ‘Period’ 7W 4 4 YES 4 Flexures Restaurant Fixtures 7W 4 4 YES 4 LED Reception Mount 22W 4 0 YES 0 Make sure that the roof offers adequate shielding. fixtures Reception is closed after 10PM LED and lights turn off. TO BE RETROFITED ON MAY 10th 2017 Reception Halogen 22W 1 0 YES 0 Make sure that the roof offers adequate shielding. TO BE RETROFITED ON MAY 10th 2017 Restaurant Exposed 10W 14 0 NO 0 Replace those lights as soon as possible. bulb lights Restaurant Flouresce 18W 4 0 NO 0 Make sure that the roof offers adequate shielding. nt LED Sports field Wallpack 10W 2 0 YES 0 Shield or replace units. Barbeque Floodlight 22W 3 0 NO 0 Change lighting angle. , Halogen Deposit Wallpack 10W 1 0 NO 0 Make sure that the roof offers adequate shielding. Covered Canopy 7W 11 11 NO 11 terraces LED Covered Canopy 7W 2 2 NO 2 deluxe LED terraces Toilet Fluoresce 18W 2 2 NO 2 nt LED Toilet Wallpack 18W 1 1 NO 1 Bungalow Wallpack 7W 47 47 NO 47 Warehouse Wallpack 10W 2 0 NO 0 Shield or replace units. Warehouse Wallpack 10W 3 0 NO 0 Shield or replace units. Warehouse Fluoresce 18W 2 2 NO 2 nt TOTAL 239

UNCOMPLIANT 34 % COMPLIANT 85’77%

4.2.5 Management of lighting and dark sky

5- LIGHT POLUTION ASSESSMENT

5.1 QUANTITATIVE READINGS

This picture of lightpolutionmap.info shows Bassegoda Park location in northern Catalonia, far away from the lights of Barcelona.

A more detailed view using lightpolutionmap shows the location of Bassegoda park. The closest town, Albanyà has very little impact in light pollution due to its very small size. Testimony of the efforts that our organization has made to limit light pollution impact of the campsite is the fact that virtually no light pollution is added due to the campsite lighting.

Reference: http://www.lightpollutionmap.info/#zoom=12&lat=5206581.21049&lon=308956.79959&layer s=B0TFFFFTT

A Unihedron SQM-L Sky Quality Meter has been purchased to take the SQM readings at Bassegoda Park, as it is the IDA recommended gold standard to measure sky brightness. All measurements have been taken following the guidelines on how to carry out a dark sky survey, published in the Dark Sky Diary be Steve Owens.

A total of six locations have been chosen to assess the sky quality of Bassegoda Park Observing field. The site 3 has been found to be the darkest location in the field.

5.1.1 Camp de l’Illa (Bassegoda Park)

Site: 1 Time SQM Site: 1 Time SQM 11/10/2015 23:00 20.61 26/11/2016 22:00 21,21

11/10/2015 23:30 20.71 26/11/2016 22:10 21,07 11/10/2015 01:30 20.74 26/11/2016 22:30 20,83 11/10/2015 02:30 20.76 26/11/2016 22:40 21,05

11/10/2015 03:00 20.90 11/10/2015 03:30 20.87 11/10/2015 04:00 20.83

Site: 1 Time SQM

30/12/2016 22:30 21,01 30/12/2016 22:35 21,10 30/12/2016 22:40 21,08

30/12/2016 22:45 21,07

5.1.2 El Casalot (Lliurona)

Site: 2 Time SQM Site: 2 Time SQM

26/11/2016 23:25 21,12 30/12/2016 23:30 21,11 26/11/2016 23:35 21,12 30/12/2016 23:35 21,10 26/11/2016 23:50 21,04 30/12/2016 23:40 21,08

26/11/2016 00:00 21,10 30/12/2016 22:45 21,07

5.1.3 EL Coll de la Creu (Lliurona)

Site: 3 Time SQM Site: 3 Time SQM

26/11/2016 00:30 21,21 30/12/2016 23:20 21,08 26/11/2016 00:35 21,07 30/12/2016 23:25 21,21 26/11/2016 00:45 20,83 30/12/2016 23:30 21,12

26/11/2016 01:00 21,05 30/12/2016 23:35 21,17

5.1.4 EL Pla de la Bateria (Bassegoda)

Site: 4 Time SQM Site: 4 Time SQM

26/11/2016 01:20 21,10 30/12/2016 23:55 21,10 26/11/2016 01:25 21,08 30/12/2016 00:00 21,05 26/11/2016 01:30 21,06 30/12/2016 00:05 21,10

26/11/2016 01:35 21,05 30/12/2016 00:10 21,17 26/11/2016 01:40 21,13

5.1.5 Coll de Principi (Bassegoda)

Site: 5 Time SQM Site: 5 Time SQM

26/11/2016 2:20 21,18 30/12/2016 01:25 21,10 26/11/2016 2:25 21,11 30/12/2016 01:30 21,05 26/11/2016 2:30 21,03 30/12/2016 01:35 21,10

30/12/2016 01:40 21,17 5.1.6 Pla de la Teularia (Pincarò)

Site: 6 Time SQM Site: 6 Time SQM

26/11/2016 3:30 21,12 30/12/2016 02:35 21,20 26/11/2016 3:35 21,12 30/12/2016 02:40 21,15 26/11/2016 3:40 21,08 30/12/2016 02:45 21,15

26/11/2016 3:45 21,02 30/12/2016 02:50 21,12

5.2 QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT

5.2.1 Camp de l’Illa (Bassegoda Park)

Due to the subjectivity of making a qualitative assessment of the sky, up to five amateur astronomers were asked to qualitatively assess the sky brightness of this field. In a clear, moonless night, all observers were able to see M33 with the naked eye, although an observer reported that he could only see M33 with adverted vision about 25-50% of the time.

All observers reported the summer Milky Way to be “very structured” and “impressive”. Sporadic clouds were reported to be “light pollution free” after 1 AM in the west and north west while being “midly light polluted” in the south east.

The consensus among amateur astronomers was that the Bassegoda Park observation field was in the upper Bortle Scale Class 4, possibly Lower Bortle Scale Class 3 category. http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-resources/light-pollution-and- astronomy-the-bortle-dark-sky-scale/

5.2.2 El Casalot (Lliurona)

5.2.3 El Coll de la Creu (Lliurona)

5.2.4 El Pla de la Bateria (Bassegoda)

5.2.5 Coll de Principi (Bassegoda)

Views at Coll de Principi show hints of the zodiacal light, proof of the extraordinary properties of the dark skies in this location.

5.2.6 Pla de la Teularia (Pincarò)

Views at Pla de la Taularia also show hints of the zodiacal light, proof of the extraordinary properties of the dark skies in this location.

5.2.7 DSO qualitative assessment

To further enhance the qualitative assessment for this application, some DSO images are included.

The qualitative assessment images in his section are taken with permission from Jaume Mas website at skyplanetsbcn.blogspot.com. He observes from his home in downtown Albanyà.

A picture from Jaume Mas primary observation site at downtown Albanyà with a Canon 350D.

Lovejoy comet, Deep Sky Stacker, 6 images of 120 seconds.

M13 Hercules cluster, 8” F5 Newtonian without coma corrector.

M42 Compirason: Dark polluted skies of Barcelona vs Albanyà

M42 Orion Nebula from the dark polluted skies of the city of Barcelona.

Equipment: Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain 8”, Canon 350D, Orion Skyglow filter, NEQ6 Total combined exposure time: 84,5 minutes processed with Pixinsight Core 1.7.

M42 Orion Nebula from the dark skies of Albanyà. Equipment: Skywatcher ED80 + Canon 350D + NEQ6 Total combined exposure time: 8 minutes processed with Pixinsight Core 1.7.

Skywatcher ED80, Canon 350F, NEQ6, guiding with MEADE 90nm +DMK221

14 mages of 5 minutes each for a total combined time of 70 minutes. Processing made with Pixinsight Core 1.7. In the negative image the following objects can be seen:

NGC 5473 with magnitude 10,4 NGC 5474 with magnitude 10,8 NGC 5422 with magnitude 11,8 NGC 5477 with magnitude 14,0 NGC 5474 with magnitude 15,7!!

6- SLEEPING AT ALBANYÀ DARK SKY PARK Being a rated first class campsite establishment, Bassegoda Park proves that stargazing does not conflict with the possibility of having a good sleep. This establishment offers comfortable lodgings in Bungalows and rooms to complement the traditional Plots and tents area offerings.

6.1- BUNGALOWS The vast majority of the bungalows are family bungalows with capacity ranging from 2 to 7 people. All of them are surrounded by trees and carefully decorated with flowers. Each bungalow is separated from the others by vegetal fences to preserve privacy. All our bungalows range from one bedroom to three bedrooms. Most of the bungalows are equipped with:

• Totally furnished hob kitchen, big fridge, microwaves, coffee machine, toaster, blender, cookware, dishes and cleaning utensils. • The living room, with a lot of natural light, has chairs, table, sofa and television. It also has a large sliding door that, once opened, can convert the dining room and terrace into one space gaining breadth and comfort. • Bathroom with shower and WC. • Covered terrace. • Heat and silent air conditioning Mitsubishi Inverter • Bed linen. • Blanket and bed spread. • Shower gel and shampoo. • Hand soap. • Dish detergent and cleaning kit. • Clothes line. • Full insulation and the windows are double glazed.

Moreover Bungalow Plus have:

• Big covered terrace (12m2) with chairs and table plus solarium (5m2). • Blind in the bedrooms

This is the distribution of the big family bungalow (Bungalow Plus 7 pax):

Furthermore we are proud to include a Bungalow offer for the disabled and handicapped people. Additionally, all areas at Bassegoda Park are handicapped friendly. 6.2- PLOTS All our plots range from 70m2 to 120m2. All our plots have vegetal barriers that provide privacy and serve to delimitate each plot and are strategically located in a very shadow areas of the camping. All the plots have electric connection (10amp to 25 amp), water, waste pipes and some of them have TV connection as well. Plots can accommodate caravans and motor-homes with their awnings and kitchen units. Depending on the size of the caravan, there is usually enough space to park your car and have a small patio as well.

6.3-TENTS AREA When our customers are looking for an 100% natural experience we count with our tents area in the middle of the forest.

7- ASTRONOMY EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE AT BASSEGODA PARK

Orion Skyquest XX14g 14” f4.6 Dobsonian with GOTO (available prior written request).

Skywatcher 8” F5 with EQ5 Mount (Available)

The campsite management has already spent a considerable amount of money to buy astro equipment that is both suitable for planetary and deep space observations.

This equipment is available to be used by campsite guests interested in astronomy upon payment of a fee. The guests must also provide evidence of their membership of an astronomy club. The Skywatcher 8” F5 reflector can be booked without previous notice while a session with the Orion Skyquest XX14g must be booked a week in advance and requires that guest spent at least a night at Bassegoda Park.

Aside from the telescopes, the campsite also owns two set of 8x50 6.5º porro prism binoculars, plasticized A2 star charts and green laser pointers that can be booked by everyone in the campsite.

These astro gear is also regularly used during our stargazing events.

8- FUTURE WORKING PLANS

8.1- LIGHT POLLUTION MONITORING

In collaboration with the town authorities of Albanyà, Pere Guerra, astronomy manager at Bassegoda Park will monitor and maintain a record of SQM measurements at different spots of the proposed Dark Sky Park on moonless nights through the whole year.

Real time sky quality measurements will also be shown at any astronomy outreach sessions done at Bassegoda Park to the public for educational and record keeping purposes.

The planned observatory will also be able to assess light pollution remotely, by regularly taking pictures of areas of the sky up to 4.203ºx4.203º in size. A plan will be setup to keep record of how light pollution impacts DSO during different seasons of the year.

We’re also in talks with Mr. Miquel Serra Ricard, director at Observatorio del Teide, to setup a program to automatize an upload light pollution data from the skies of Albanyà.

The management team of Bassegoda Park are members of Cell Fosc, a national association against light pollution and will collaborate with Cell Fosc on making sure that the surrounding populations comply with Zone E1 and Zone E2 regulations.

8.2- EXPANSIONS OF SCIENCE OUTREACH PROGRAMS

Since 2015, Bassegoda Park collaborates with Starlight foundation by being part of the Starlight certification program and subscribes the values of Declaración de La Palma to preserve the night sky and the right of humanity to see the lights of the stars.

This distinction also includes the responsibility to organize astronomy outreach sessions. To that effect, Bassegoda Park has been increasing the frequency of astronomy outreach sessions, making at least one event during the spring and fall months and one astronomy event every two weeks during the summer months.

The campsite administration also plans to use the upcoming observatory as the cornerstone in which to base a new astronomy public outreach event called Sky Experience in which people will enjoy dinner while looking at live video astronomy views of deep space objects, we’ll include an explanation as to how light pollution affects the views of Deep Space Objects in this events.

9- LETTERS OF ENDORSEMENT

9.1- BASSEGODA PARK

9.2- CEL FOSC

9.3- STARS4ALL

9.3- LIGHT POLLUTION LAB AT SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA UNIVERSITY

9.4- LETTER FROM THE ADMINISTRATION: DIPUTACIÓ DE GIRONA

ENGLISH TRANSLATION:

Letter from the president of Diputació de Girona (administrative of the province of Girona)

Greetings,

It has reached my knowledge that the town of Albanyà (Girona) will submit an application as a Dark Sky Park to the International Dark Sky Association (IDA).

From Diputació de Girona, we strive to preserve and consolidate the highlighted touristic and natural appeals of our land with the goal to attract a quality environmentally aware touristic offer t in the land of Girona.

For these reasons, the candidacy of Albanyà as the first Dark Sky Park of Catalonia and of the entire Spanish State are excellent news for the regions of Girona and we fully endorse and back this initiative.

Kind regards

Pere Vila I Fulcarà

Girona, March 3rd 2017

9.5- LETTER OF SUPPORT FROM THE MAYOR OF ALBANYÀ

9.6- ASTROGIRONA

9.7- ASTROBANYOLES

9.8- ASTROGARROTXA

9.9- SPANISH FEDERATION OF ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATIONS

9.11- ASTRUMLLORET

TRANSLATION AstrumLLoret

Dear members of the International Dark Sky: We hereby would like to convey that all members of our entity, lovers of astronomy are strong endorsers of the project of the municipality of Albanyà to become a place with dark skies with the goal to build an astronomical observatory.

To this goal we address your prestigious association, known as one of the most prestigious institutions for the protection of dark skies, asking you to CERTIFY said project by your institution so that Albanyà becomes a zone protected against light pollution to guarantee ideal conditions for astronomy observation.

By means of this letter we would also like to remind that in Catalonia there is a law and a regulation that protects the territory against the negative effects of light pollution with an explicit reference to natural spaces like Albanyà.

Moreover we wish to call to mind that the declaration of UNESCO in 2007 about the defense of the Night Sky and the right to see the light of the stars acknowledges the implicit right of citizens to preserve the skies as a cultural and natural heritage for future generations.

Also there are uncountable scientists that argue that appropriate lighting, in addition to protect the research in astronomy, has multiple benefits that relate not only towards the protection of the environment, but also towards the native species of flora, fauna and human health and as a big component of energy efficiency and electricity consumption, with the positive consequences of not only reducing light pollution but also atmosphere contamination.

For all these reasons, we make a most decisive commitment to endorse the project of Albanyà so that optimal environmental and lighting conditions can be reached to observe the universe.

Lloret de Mar, March 20th 2017

Santiago Ontañón – Id 36703856

President of Astrumlloret

9.11- NOMINATION LETTER

10- PRESS RELEASES

10.1 DIARI DE GIRONA

A dark sky at Albanyà to observe space.

The city council and Bassegoda Park are trying to get a certification from a EEUU entity to guarantee the lack of light pollution in the area. The goal is to guarantee ideal conditions for astronomy observation.

Albanyà wants to protect its sky against light pollution to become one of the ideal places to observe the universe by professional and amateurs astronomers. The city council and the campsite Bassegoda Park are working to achieve this international distinction granted by a EEUU entity to be declared the first International Dark Sky Park statewide.

The mayor, Joan Fàbregas notes that Albanyà is a small town but with a landscape of privileged dark skies by western Europe standards. Moreover, the campsite has been betting on the promotion of astro tourism since long ago and an observatory and an outreach center will be available. They’ve been making didactic activities related with nature and astronomy outreach since long ago.

In 2015 [Bassegoda Park] became one of the first campsites around de globe to be accredited by Starlight certification that, with the UNESCO avail in its program MaB (Man and Biosphere), acknowledges the good quality of the night sky. Now they want to go one step further in this direction

71 by obtaining the certification of the International Dark Sky Association (IDA), one of the most prestigious institutions to protect the night sky in the world. The certification not only guarantees, to everyone interested, that they will find an ideal environment for observation, but will also enforce to continue the protection of the night sky against light pollution.

The director of Bassegoda Park, Esteve Guerra, notes that “this recognition would reinforce the increasing attractive of Albanyà by amateur astronomers that want to enjoy rural family tourism in a privileged environment, far away from light pollution city sources.

The president of the Astronomy association of Figueres considers that the infrastructures that the campsite is working on and the conditions of the night skies of Albanyà are very important as it will make up for a historical need that we have suffered, there has never been such favorable conditions in Alt Empordà county.

To protect and to preserve the privileged qualities of the night sky of the municipality of Albanyà, the city council has informed that both the town and the campsite have undertaken a reform of the lighting system to minimize the impact of light pollution. <>.

Albanyà is not the only place that tries to get this certification. The Monstec observatory is also applying.

Protection against light pollution

In Catalonia, since 2001, there’s a law that protects the territory against the effects of light pollution and a subsequent regulation in 2015 that deploys the law . The territory is divided in three [four] zones where the regulation must be obeyed. The ones with maximum protection are the natural locations like the ones that Albanyà wants to promote. The second zone would be subrural and the third [and forth] are urban areas that are a prime source of light pollution.

10.2 TRAMUNTANA TV

https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tramuntanatv. com%2Fnews%2Falbanya-opta-a-convertir-se-en-el-primer-parc-internacional-de-cel-fosc-de-tot-l- estat%2F

10.3- EL PUNT AVUI https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.elpuntavui.cat %2Fsocietat%2Farticle%2F5-societat%2F1096448-albanya-promociona-el-poble-pels-nivells-baixos-de- contaminacio-luminica.html

11- STARLIGHT CERTIFICATION